Arizona Republic, The (Phoenix, AZ) - Friday, February 15, 2008
The article by Richard Kelleher , Northeast Phoenix Republic community columnist, regarding music having died in northeast Phoenix (Opinions, Feb. 8) struck a resonant chord with me.
A short few years ago, four high school sophomores formed their "garage band" here in the northeast Phoenix area. Through hard work and lots of luck, this band is now performing for huge numbers of fans. Locally, most of their shows have been played in Tempe or Scottsdale.
Paradise Valley Mall area could offer something for all types of musicians and their devotees. Why not convert the areas formerly occupied by the Harkins theaters into a venue that managers of "national acts" would be happy to include on their clients' tour stops?
Why not create "practice rooms" that could be rented out at a reasonable fee. Parents (and neighbors?) might pay to get jam sessions out of the garage!
Surely something like this would pump some life, and money, back into this tired space -- and the coffers of the surrounding businesses as well.
-- Judith S. Warth, Scottsdale
A short few years ago, four high school sophomores formed their "garage band" here in the northeast Phoenix area. Through hard work and lots of luck, this band is now performing for huge numbers of fans. Locally, most of their shows have been played in Tempe or Scottsdale.
Paradise Valley Mall area could offer something for all types of musicians and their devotees. Why not convert the areas formerly occupied by the Harkins theaters into a venue that managers of "national acts" would be happy to include on their clients' tour stops?
Why not create "practice rooms" that could be rented out at a reasonable fee. Parents (and neighbors?) might pay to get jam sessions out of the garage!
Surely something like this would pump some life, and money, back into this tired space -- and the coffers of the surrounding businesses as well.
-- Judith S. Warth, Scottsdale
